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COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, the City of Surprise is communicating with public health partners at the regional, state, and national level to make sure we’re working together to provide the most accurate and timely information to our community and to safeguard the health and safety of our residents.
National Status
On April 16, 2020, President Trump announced guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives. https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/
The CDC released guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes to help address COVID-19 concerns as reopening occurs. Learn more…
State Status
Vaccine Status: COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are now available for the Phase 1A population, some of the Phase 1B population (Law Enforcement, Protective Services, Childcare Workers, K-12 Teachers, and Persons 75 and Older), in addition to adults 65 and older.
Register through ADHS
Register & get Maricopa County specific info
Pharmacy locations offering vaccine for adults 75+
COVID-19 Case Data - For information on the number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona, Maricopa County and by zip code, as well as the current state recommendations related to distancing, gatherings, and essential businesses, visit www.azdhs.gov.
Governor’s Executive Orders - Information on the Governor’s Executive Orders related to COVID-19 can be found below.
The public can file complaints against businesses not in compliance with the Governor’s Executive orders and ADHS COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses by submitting them online at www.azhealth.gov/ComplianceCOVID-19 or by phone at 1-844-410-2157.
“Easing Regulations to Encourage Outdoor Dining” Executive Order – On December 2, the Governor issued an Executive Order easing red tape on outdoor dining, increasing opportunities for safer dining experiences. The order makes it easier for restaurants to expand outdoor dining spaces.
“Further Mitigation Requirement For Events” Executive Order – On December 2, the Governor issued an Executive Order enhancing health and safety requirements for large public events approved by local cities, towns and counties, including that organized public events of more than 50 people may only be approved by local cities, towns and counties if they have determined that certain safety precautions are in place, and the event organizer has committed to implementing and enforcing these precautions.
Read the Executive Order | City of Surprise Application Process
“Arizona: Open for Learning” Executive Order – This Executive order, issued July 23, 2020 by Governor Ducey, provides additional resources, flexibility and clarity for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
Read the Executive Order | County COVID-19 Schools Dashboard
“Continuation of Executive Order 2020-52: Slowing the Spread of COVID-19” Executive Order – On July 23, 2020 Governor Doug Ducey extended executive order order pausing operations on gyms, bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing. The order also prohibits large events. The pause of these operations will be reviewed for repeal or revision every two weeks. UPDATE: On August 10, Upon initial two-week review, ADHS advised keeping these restrictions in place for the time being, but provided metrics for industry leaders and businesses to understand when a general reopening could be considered. Businesses have the opportunity through the attestation process for review of individual circumstances in the event that they are denied the ability to reopen for public health reasons. Learn more…
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order
“Continued Postponment of Eviction Enforcement Actions” Executive Order – This Executive Order, issued July 16, 2020 by Governor Ducey, extends a previous Executive Order (issued on March 24), that postponed the enforcement of eviction action orders for tenants experiencing certain financial and medical hardships due to COVID-19. Tenants must take new action beginning on August 22, 2020 to delay eviction.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Guidance for Landlords & Renters
“Reducing the Risk, Slowing the Spread – Limiting Indoor Dining” Executive Order – This executive order, issued July 9, 2020 by Governor Ducey, requires restaurants with indoor seating to operate at less than 50 percent capacity, gives additional guidance on distancing of outdoor dining, and orders the closing of all buffets, cafeteria style or self-serve food bars at restaurants.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order
Retailers – The Governor and Public Health have issued guidance for retailers.
Read the News Release │Read the Executive Order │Read Governor & ADHS Reopening Guidelines for Retail Businesses & Customers | Requirements for Businesses (NEW)
Barbers and Cosmetologists – Effective Friday, May 8, 2020, barbers and cosmetologists may resume operations provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businesses to address COVID-19.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Read the Guidance | Requirements for Businesses (NEW)
Restaurants and Coffee Shops - Effective Monday, May 11, 2020, dine-in services may resume provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businesses to address COVID-19. UPDATE ON BARS: Operations must be paused at bars with a series 6 or 7 liquor license from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (these entities may provide take-out and curbside service) per the Governor’s July 23 Executive Order unless they meet the requirements for reopening as outlined here.
Read the News Release | Read the May 11 Executive Order | Read the Guidance
Requirements for Restaurants and Bars Providing Dine-In Services (NEW)
July 23 Executive Order pausing Bar operations
July 9 Executive Order limiting indoor dining to less than 50% capacity
August 10 Benchmarks and Requirements for Reopening
Pools – Effective Wednesday, May 13, pools may reopen with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation. Effective June 29, Pools operated as part of a public accommodation, such as those at hotels but not those at multi-housing complexes, shall prohibit groups larger than 10 from congregating together in or near the pool. Privately owned pools located in public areas such as those at multi-housing complexes or other privately owned facilities may continue to be open provided that signage is included at all entrances to the pool reminding people to maintain physical distance and that groups larger than 10 should not congregate.
Read the News Release | Read the May 13 Executive Order | Read the Guidance
Read the June 29 Executive Order
Gyms & Fitness Providers – Effective June 29, indoor gyms and fitness clubs or centers must pause operations until further notice unless they meet the benchmarks and requirements for reopening.
Read the July 23 Executive Order
August 10 Benchmarks and Requirements for Reopening
Spas – Effective Wednesday, May 13, spas may reopen with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Read the Guidance | Requirements for Businesses (NEW)
Major League Sports - Effective Saturday, May 16, major league sports can resume limited reopening, without fans.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order
Organized Youth Sports & Activities – Effective Thursday, May 28, organized youth sports and activities can resume. (Note: City of Surprise has begun operating select sports with enhanced safety measures.)
Places of Worship - While never formally closed, many places of worship opted to temporarily change or suspend services in order to follow physical distancing guidelines. As they resume operations, the Arizona Department of Health Services released guidance for enhanced physical distancing and safety precautions.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Read the Guidance
Schools - On July 23, the Governor issued an Executive Order that provides additional resources, flexibility and clarity for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
Read the Executive Order | County COVID-19 Schools Dashboard
City of Surprise Status & Impacts
Face Covering Requirement:
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Surprise City Council has issued a Declaration of Emergency Proclamation requiring face coverings within the City of Surprise with limited exceptions.
Effective Saturday, June 20, every person over the age of two is required to wear a face covering while in all public settings within the City of Surprise where it is difficult to maintain a minimum physical distance of six (6) feet from others who do not live in the same residence.
Read the Declaration of Emergency Proclamation
*** Arizona’s most vulnerable populations, including those ages 65+ can order free cloth masks through Arizona Department of Health Services at www.azhealth.gov/ordermasks.
Cases in Surprise:
For information on the number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona by zip code, click here.
Facility Closures:
City Hall and other city administrative buildings are closed to the public until further notice.
This includes service counters for the City Clerk, Cashier and Development Services.
City business will continue to be conducted and core services will not be affected, including fire-medical, police, trash, water and other essential city services.
Please check the “Facilities” tab for more information on which buildings are open / closed and the “City Contacts” tab for information on how to contact city departments.
The city’s outdoor parks and recreation facilities and amenities that have reopened will remain open.
Now Open:
- Pickleball Courts, with modifications to observe physical distancing recommendations. More info.
- Dog Parks. Park hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Tennis & Raquetball Complex – Tennis and raquetball by reservation only with modifications to observe physical distancing recommendations. More info.
- Surprise Resource Center resumes regular hours, by appointment only
- Club swim team practices at Surprise Aquatic Center (Surprise Storm)
- Sand volleyball courts
- Skatepark at Dick McComb City Park
- Park playgrounds
- Park restrooms & drinking fountains
- Splash pads
- Basketball courts
- Rentals of park ramadas
- Rentals of sports fields
- Water aerobics – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
- Lap swim (by appointment) – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
To registration for water aerobics and lap swim, visit http://surpriserec.surpriseaz.gov. For questions about Parks & Recreation programming, please call 623.222.2000.
Phased Reopening Plan - The City of Surprise has prepared a phased reopening plan. Each phase will consider the current guidance being provided at the federal and state levels and is subject to change based on that guidance. The plan also considers budget impacts due to COVID-19.
Read the City of Surprise COVID-19 Reopening Plan
Next Phase of Reopening:
The city is actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluating all programs in adherence to current CDC guidelines, including: youth and adult sports; adaptive programming; camps; special interest classes; special events; open swim at city pools; and the reopening of recreation centers. Please visit surpriseaz.gov/parks for current information on this programming.
In the meantime, thank you for your patience as we work towards the return of all of our programs and services and the reopening of all of our facilities and amenities in a safe and responsible manner.
Declaration of Emergency - Mayor Skip Hall issued a declaration of emergency in Surprise on March 18 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still in effect.
City Buildings & Amenities
In response to increasing COVID-19 cases in Arizona, city of Surprise will be reclosing City Hall and other city administrative buildings to the public effective 5 p.m. Friday, June 19 until further notice.
This includes service counters for the City Clerk, Cashier and Development Services.
City business will continue to be conducted and core services will not be affected, including fire-medical, police, trash, water and other essential city services.
The following city facilities will be closed to the public for walk-in services. Select services are available by appointment:
- City Hall (including service counters for: City Clerk, Cashier, Development Services)
- Fire Administration
- Senior Center (meal delivery and pick-up will continue)
- Parks & Recreation Offices
- Countryside Recreation Center
- Sierra Montana Recreation Center
- Villanueva Recreation Center
Doors will remain open at the following facilities:
- Police Department
- Fire Stations
- City Court
- Surprise Resource Center
The following Parks and Recreation amenities are currently open:
- City libraries – Asante, Hollyhock and Northwest Regional libraries are managed by Maricopa County Library District and are open for limited Pop-in pickup hours and curbside pickup, with a variety of online options available. Please visit surpriseaz.gov/library for more information.
- Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex – Effective Friday, November 27th, indoor tennis programming such as Racquetball and Table Tennis will be modified. One court or table - singles only. Only two players per one hour reservation. Masks are required to enter and exit the facility. Racquetball and table tennis participants are required to wear a mask while playing. To make a reservation call 623.222.2400. Visit surpriseaz.gov/tennis for more information.
- Pickleball Courts - Park hours are 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Dog Parks - Park hours are 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sand volleyball courts
- Skatepark at Dick McComb City Park
- Park playgrounds
- Splash pads
- Basketball courts
- Rentals of park ramadas
- Rentals of sports fields
- Water aerobics – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
- Lap swim (by appointment) – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
The following Parks and Recreation amenities and facilities are currently closed:
- Parks & Recreation Offices
- Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool (open to club swim, water aerobics and lap swim only)
- Countryside Recreation Center
- Sierra Montana Recreation Center
- Villanueva Recreation Center
Please continue to practice physical distancing while utilizing walking paths or open space and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Do not use the parks if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness.
City Contacts
City Clerk (Passports, Election Resources, Public Records)
Phone: 623.222.1200
Email: clerk@surpriseaz.gov
Public Records Online: www.surpriseaz.gov/mysurprise
Informational Website: www.surpriseaz.gov/clerk
Note: Passport services are suspended until further notice.
Utility Payment
Phone: 623.222.1900, Option 1
Online Payments: www.surpriseaz.gov/payments
Informational Website: https://www.surpriseaz.gov/1503/Utility-Billing-Rates
My Surprise App (Public Records Requests, Missing Signs, Broken Trees, etc)
surpriseaz.gov/mysurprise
Parks and Recreation
Phone: 623.222.2000
Email: recreation@surpriseaz.gov
Online Registration: http://surpriserec.surpriseaz.gov
Informational Website: www.surpriseaz.gov/recreation
Development Center
Phone: 623.222.3000
Informational Website: https://www.surpriseaz.gov/1168/Development-Services
City Court
Phone: 623.222.4800
Email: municipalcourt@surpriseaz.gov.
See all changes to court operations due to COVID-19 at www.surpriseaz.gov/court
Surprise Resource Center
Phone: 623.222.1600
Informational Website: www.surpriseaz.gov/resourcecenter
General Questions
Phone: 623.222.1900
Additional Contacts:
- City Manager – 623.222.1100
- Economic Development – 623.222.3300
- Fire-Medical – Emergency 9-1-1, Non-Emergency 623.222.5000
- Human Resources – hr@surpriseaz.gov / 623.222.3500
- Human Service & Community Vitality – 623.222.1500
- Marketing & Communications – 623.222.1431
- Mayor & City Council – 623.222.1300
- Police – Emergency 9-1-1, Non-Emergency 623.222.4000
- Public Works – 623.222.1900
- Water Resource Management – 623.222.1900
Events, Programs, Sports & Services
The following sports programs and amenities are now open, with modifications to protect public health. Please follow posted signage, continue to follow all CDC guidelines and practice physical distancing:
- Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex – Effective Friday, November 27th, indoor tennis programming such as Racquetball and Table Tennis will be modified. One court or table - singles only. Only two players per one hour reservation. Masks are required to enter and exit the facility. Racquetball and table tennis participants are required to wear a mask while playing. To make a reservation call 623.222.2400. Visit surpriseaz.gov/tennis for more information.
- Club swim team practices at Surprise Aquatic Center (Surprise Storm)
- Sand volleyball courts
- Skatepark at Dick McComb City Park
- Park playgrounds
- Dog parks
- Water aerobics – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
- Lap swim (by appointment) – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
Registration for water aerobics and lap swim will be available beginning Wednesday, May 27 at http://surpriserec.surpriseaz.gov. For questions about Parks & Recreation programming, please call 623.222.2000.
The following events, programs, and sports are operating, but may have some restrictions in place or elements of programming that have not yet been activated.
- Surprise Libraries- Asante, Hollyhock and Northwest Regional libraries are managed by Maricopa County Library District and are open for limited Pop-in pickup hours and curbside pickup, with a variety of online options available. Please visit surpriseaz.gov/library for more information.
- Youth & Adult Sports: Many outdoor competitive and recreational leagues have resumed. Indoor leagues and camps, as well as aquatic programs with the exception of club swim team, water aerobics and lap swim have not resumed. For more information, please contact recreation@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.2000 or see the online registration catalogue at https://secure.rec1.com/AZ/surprise-community-rec/catalog
- Special Interest Classes: Select classes have resumed. For more information, please contact recreation@surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.2000 or see the online registration catalogue at https://secure.rec1.com/AZ/surprise-community-rec/catalog
The following events, programs, and sports have been canceled or postponed until further notice.
Thank you for your patience as we work towards the return of all of our programs and services and the reopening of all of our facilities and amenities in a safe and responsible manner.
Special Events: All special events have been canceled at this time for in-person attendance, but many are being hosted in virtual formats. For more information, please visit the city calendar at www.surpriseaz.gov/calendar.
Classes and Workshops: All in-person classes and workshops. To see what virtual programming is available, please visit the city calendar at www.surpriseaz.gov/calendar.
Recreation Centers / Open Gym: All programming and open gym time is suspended at Countryside Recreation Center, Sierra Montana Recreation Center, and Villanueva Recreation Center. For more information, please contact recreation@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.2000.
Surprise Senior Center: The Senior Center is temporarily closed until further notice. Meals are still being provided. For more information, please visit www.surpriseaz.gov/seniorservices or call 623.222.1500.
Public Meetings
City of Surprise public meetings will reclose to in-person attendance effective 12/1
In an effort to protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 case numbers, City of Surprise public meetings will reclose to in-person public attendance beginning December 1 and until further notice. This includes meetings of City Council and all city boards and commissions.
Due to this change, the above-mentioned meetings will be streamed and broadcast. To watch live, please visit www.surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofsurprise. Cox channel 11 and Century Link channel 8513 will also carry the meetings live.
Public comment will be accepted by phone and email. Instructions for public comment will be included on each meeting agenda. Meeting agendas are posted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at www.surpriseaz.gov/agendas.
For questions about public meetings, please contact the City Clerk at 623.222.1200 or clerk@surpriseaz.gov.
Business, Customer & Job Seeker Resources
Whether you’re a local business, a resident seeking employment opportunities, or simply looking for ways to support your favorite businesses, we have gathered the resources you need. Learn more…
Community Care Resources
This page has information on free meals, where to get essential supplies, tips to de-stress and ways to volunteer and help your community. Learn more…
Financial Relief Info for Individuals & Families
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought economic uncertainty to many individuals and families. In response, financial assistance policies have been activated at the national, state and city levels, as well as by business industries. We have compiled various resources available to individuals and families. Learn more…
Health & Safety Resources
The following are links to COVID-19 information from global, national, and county agencies:
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- CDC Information Line: 1-800-232-4636
- Coronavirus.gov
- Arizona Department of Health Services
- Arizona Department of Health Services Phone Line: 602-542-1025
- Arizona’s Statewide COVID-19 Information Number: (844) 542-8201 or 2-1-1
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health Phone Line: 602-506-6900
Important City Updates
- Governor Ducey Shares Latest On COVID-19 (12/16/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces Latest Actions to Fight COVID-19, Increase Hospital Staffing (12/02/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces $25 Million For Medical Professionals, Additional Safety Measures (11/18/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces More Than $1.6 Million To Expand Food Bank Assistance (10/29/2020)
- Governor Ducey and Health Leaders Urge Arizonans to Get Flu Shot (08/31/2020)
- Arizona Department of Health Services Phased Reopening Plan for Paused Industries (8/10/2020)
- Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order To Further Protect Public Health (7/23/2020)
- Governor Extends COVID-19 Eviction Protections; Expands Rental Assistance Access (7/16/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces New Actions To Contain COVID-19 (7/10/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces Enhanced COVID-19 Action Plan (06/29/2020)
- Surprise requires face coverings in public effective June 20; City Hall will reclose to public (6/19/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces Enhanced COVID-19 Action Plan (6/17/2020)
- City splash pads, basketball & racquetball courts reopen June 8; ramada & sports field rentals resume (6/5/2020)
- City Hall reopens June 1; select recreation amenities phase in (5/26/2020)
- Surprise Introduces Phased COVID-19 Reopening Plan (5/18/2020)
- City of Surprise pools, gyms, recreation centers remain closed until further notice (5/13/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase Of Arizona Recovery (5/12/2020)
- Governor Ducey Issues Updated Guidance For Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Barbers And Cosmetologists (5/04/2020)
- Governor Ducey, ADHS Release Guidelines For Retail Businesses And Customers As Openings Resume Next Week (5/01/2020)
- Governor Issues Updated Guidance For Arizonans, Businesses (4/29/2020)
- Maricopa County Preparing to Expand COVID-19 Contact Tracing (4/23/2020)
- Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Providing Flexibility On Packaging And Labeling Rules For Local Restaurants (4/07/2020)
- Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Expanding COVID-19 Data Gathering (4/07/2020)
- New Order Increases Restrictions For Certain Out-Of-State Travelers (4/07/2020)
- Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Strengthening Protection In Residential And Nursing Health Care Facilities (4/07/2020)
- Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Halting Evictions For Small Businesses And Nonprofits (4/06/2020)
- New Assistance Available To Support Arizona Small Businesses (4/06/2020)
- President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration For Arizona (4/04/2020)
- Governor Issues Additional Guidance On Essential Services (4/03/2020)
- Valley Metro adjusts Express, RAPID bus service schedules due to COVID-19 (3/31/2020)
- City webpage provides community support resources, volunteer opportunities amid COVID-19 (3/30/2020)
- City temporarily amends A-frame sign policy during COVID-19 Pandemic (3/30/2020)
- Governor's New Executive Order: "Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected" (3/30/2020)
- Change to City Council Meeting public comment; Cancelation of several public meetings (3/27/2020)
- Surprise Partners with Meals of Joy to Offer Hot Lunches to Vulnerable Populations (3/25/2020)
- Surprise Resource Center Reducing Public Hours (3/24/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces Arizona Together Initiative, Linking Arizonans To Resources During COVID-19 Outbreak (3/24/2020)
- City Park Amenities & Facilities Closed to Public (3/24/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces Launch of 2-1-1 COVID-19 Hotline (3/22/2020)
- Limited Court Operations During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (3/19/2020)
- Governor Ducey Announces Latest COVID-19 Actions (3/19/2020)
- Mayor Hall Declares Local State of Emergency in Surprise (3/19/2020)
- Changes to public participation during Planning & Zoning meetings effective March 18 (3/18/2020)
- Changes to public participation during Council Meetings effective March 17 (3/16/2020)
- All city events and programs are canceled through May 10 (3/16/2020) @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>